Why we needed your help after the 2009 Asia Pacific disasters

On 30 September 2009, we launched an appeal to support emergency relief and recovery operations in the region. Thanks to the generosity of the public we raised £890,000 during our appeal and the DEC Appeal.

Typhoons

Typhoon Ketsana slammed into the Philippines on 26 September and survivors desperately needed food, shelter, and water and sanitation. On 4 October, the Philippines was hit by a second typhoon, called Typhoon Parma.

These disasters caused landslides and widespread flooding. Ten million people were affected and almost a thousand lives lost. More than 300,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.

On 29 September, Typhoon Ketsana moved west to Vietnam, continuing its path of destruction, killing at least 170 people and affecting around 1.5 million. More than 495,000 buildings, including homes and schools, were damaged or destroyed. The flooding also destroyed many crops of rice and vegetables.

Samoan islands and Tonga tsunami

On 29 September, a strong earthquake followed by a tsunami hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga in the Pacific. It claimed at least 143 lives in Samoa, 31 in American Samoa and nine in Tonga.

The wave also caused huge devastation, affecting around 30,000 people and destroying homes, vehicles and livelihoods.

Indonesia earthquake

Over a 48-hour period, the west coast of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia was struck by two major earthquakes, affecting the district of Padang. The first quake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck on 30 September. The second quake, measuring 6.8, struck on 1 October.

More than 1,195 people died and 1,798 were injured, with 249,833 homes damaged or destroyed.